Chapter 3

Italy was left behind as the group was now on the plane to Greece. Athens, its capital city was their first stop. For a change, they were not seated as couples. Zoya and Ayaan sat together while the other three girls and guys sat in groups of three. Zoya as always sat at the window seat and clicked a few pictures from the plane window.

"So what have you decided?" Ayaan questioned Zoya who was busy staring at the clouds.

Zoya not breaking her gaze from the clouds asked, "About what?"

"About marrying Asad bhaijaan... ammi called yesterday to enquire regarding your answer so that they can proceed with things," Ayaan replied calmly making Zoya finally look at him.

"What has Asad answered?" Zoya questioned even though she knew what Asad would have replied.

Ayaan replied, "Duh... you know that he wants to marry you" as if it was a matter of fact.

"But does he actually love me?" Zoya spoke into thin air.

"Ok... shoot and tell me what's bothering you," Ayaan said giving Zoya a look saying that she couldn't get away without a proper answer.

Zoya truthfully replied, "I wish that Asad would just say once about how and what he feels for me. I know that we are made for each other type couple yet I think at times words do matter. I just want to hear the three magical words once and that would be enough to last the lifetime. Just those three words from his heart would be enough to make me believe in our love."

"You know bhai jaan better than anyone else. He is not good at expressing with words but his actions do speak of volumes. But above this you know that he can do anything for you so I am sure that he'll do this as well to stay by you forever," Ayaan assured his best friend.

"But you won't tell him to say it to me," Zoya made Ayaan promise who had no way out.

The conversation then changed to more exciting topics like their trip and random stuff.

Athens!

It was late evening when they checked in and settled into their hotel. They all planned to skip dinner but did wish to go for a night stroll.

Zoya and Asad walked hand in hand along the road of the acropolis which was at a walking distance from their place of stay. Zoya couldn't help admiring the historic beauty of the great architecture from far. Asad being into this field filled her with interesting facts about the ancient citadel.

The group then ventured into the nearby market place and everyone including Zoya bought some souvenirs to take back home.

On the way back to the hotel, Asad quickly captured the night lights of the acropolis in his camera for Zoya who wasn't able to get a proper angle.

The next morning, visit to the acropolis was the first on cards. Zoya was in awe of the structure from near and couldn't believe that it actually was a city and one of the most ancient historical sites in the world.

Asad explained to her about the stones and other material used to build it that made it withstand against many of the natural disasters. Zoya was more impressed with Asad than the monument and felt her heart swell with pride.

Next stop was the acropolis museum which had all the stuff preserved from the site and held information about the city. Zoya admired the hand sculptures of ancient times and Asad just watched her intently. He could sense that something was bothering her and that pinched him a lot.

Everyone then had lunch at a pizza parlor in the market and then rented cycles for roaming in that area. Asad signaled to Ayaan that he wanted to be alone with Zoya for a while and Ayaan taking the cue announced to take couple time leaving Zoya with Asad.

"Zoya, you seem happy but there is a flicker of sadness in your eyes. I want to know the reason about it," Asad spoke in his usual direct manner.

"Just missing appi and jiju," Zoya replied trying at act as honest as she could.

Asad ignored her reply and added, "I know it is about our marriage talks going in our families. I assure you that your happiness is my first priority and I won't force you to make any decision."

Zoya answered with a smile, "I know that very well Asad. It's just that I need some time to decide."

"I have all the time in the world for you," Asad replied looking into Zoya's eyes.

At that time the others came running back to them reminding them that they still had to visit the Olympic stadium before it closes.

Mykonos!

The island of winds' though had no particular attraction yet it had a very soothing atmosphere. It was the perfect place to rest and enjoy the beautiful weather. It had the old rural market structure selling things particular to Greece. Cats roamed around as if they owned the place and people there were extremely generous. Having food sitting near the shore and waves hitting the area was such a delight.

The first day was spent relaxing and chilling at the hotel and sea shore together as a group. They played games and clicked loads of pictures to send back home.

The second day, Asad and Zoya set off together. They shopped for people back home with Zoya making sure that Asad bought the right things for his family and Asad trying to make Zoya buy something for herself.

In the end, Asad forced Zoya to buy two necklaces made of the stones local to Greece.

When time came to pay for them, Asad held out his card first before Zoya could do so.

The shopkeeper smiled at this gesture and told Zoya, "This guy here loves you a lot."

Both Asad and Zoya blushed at this remark making the shopkeeper admire the couple and bless them.

At another shop, Zoya fell in love with a dress but seeing the price decided not to get it. Asad realized this and paid for it in spite of Zoya insisting not to do so.

The minute they walked a little far away from the shop, Zoya blasted at Asad.

"Mr. Asad Ahmed Khan, I request you not to pay for me anymore. I know that I can't afford everything that you can but that doesn't give you the right to do so for me. Once a while is cool with me but I don't want to depend on you," Zoya lashed out at Asad not realizing that she was hurting Asad.

Asad who knew Zoya well enough took it calmly though he was hurt and replied, "Zoya, I did so because of our relation."

"And what relation do you mean?" Zoya questioned.

Asad had a perfect answer but didn't want to say it in this situation at all so kept quiet.

Zoya who was burning with rage and couldn't think straight took this in a wrong way and walked off with Asad rushing behind to keep in track.

Santorini!

It had been two days since the fallout between Zoya and Asad as Ayaan would call. To be honest, Zoya was trying to distance herself from Asad while Asad kept trying to talk to her.

At present, the group was walking to sunset point with Zoya way into the lead and the group trying to catch up with her. Asad had decided to give Zoya her space so that she could enjoy her trip and they could sort out stuff once they are home.

At that very moment, Asad got a call from his ammi who was worried as Zoya refused to marry Asad and wanted to know what was wrong. Asad was shocked at this and ensured his ammi that he would fix everything by the evening.

Asad after disconnecting the call ran after Zoya determined to get the truth.

Zoya who was already at the sunset point was admiring the hues of the sun realizing how like the sun her life was dawning with tears in her eyes.

Asad gasping with breath reached the sunset point and shouted, "Zoya, I love you."

His voice echoed over the place as he walked towards Zoya who was trying to stop her from crying.

"I want to spend my entire life with you. I know that you are independent and can manage on your own but I feel that laying the world at your feet is my duty. I always felt that our love did not need words but now I realized that you are afraid of a heart break and more importantly losing me. You don't want me to do anything for you as you are scared that I won't be there besides you to do it forever. But Zoya more than you I am in fear of being the reason behind your tears every now and then. If you and I are together then we can fight any problem. I want us to take the world together as one," Asad confessed to Zoya.

Zoya hugged Asad and said, "I am so sorry. I have been acting like an idiot. I was being insecure due to no reason whatsoever. I shouldn't have lost control of my emotions that day and neither should have refused to the marriage proposal."

"Glad you were a fool Zoya or else your kids would have confessed your love for each other," shouted Ayaan from behind with a smirk on his face.

Humeira added, "Apparently Zoya is yet to confess."

Zoya looked into Asad's eyes and sealed the love between their hearts with a kiss.

A wish upon a fountain had done wonders for them.